China launched a space rocket from the sea for
the first time on 5
June 2019. With this China will be the third nation to
successfully demonstrate the ability to launch satellites into orbit from a floating platform following the U.S. and
Russia.
In the operation, March 11,
a Long rocket was launched from a ship in the Yellow Sea.
Aim:
The first ever seaborne launch technology aims
to meet the growing launch demand of low inclination satellites. It is also expected
to help China provide launch services for countries participating
in the Belt
and Road Initiative
Payloads:
The rocket carried two experimental satellites
and five commercial satellites. The experimental satellites will monitor ocean
winds to set up all-weather monitoring of ocean wind
fields and improve typhoon monitoring and accuracy of the weather
forecast in China. It was built by the China Academy of Space Technology
in Beijing.
Experimental
satellites:
1. Bufeng-1A
2. Bufeng-1B
Commercial
satellites:
1. Earth-imaging cubesat – 1
2. Tianqi-3, an experimental communications
satellite
3,4. China’s first Ka-band communications
satellites- Two satellites
5. New satellite for China’s Jilin-1
remote-sensing satellite constellation
The seaborne test along with its ambitious plans
for missions to the moon and beyond has made China a major space power.
China’s space exploration:
China is the first nation to land a rover on the
far side of the moon. It also plans to build a research base on the lunar surface.
The country also plans to send a probe to Mars and build a space station in
Earth orbit.
In 2003, China became the third nation to have
the capability of launching humans into space.
China is one of the leading country in launching
a number of satellites from its launch stations on land.
